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International Activities

Welcome to the OAR International Activities Office!

NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) maintains a dedicated and vibrant research enterprise that provides a holistic understanding of how weather, climate, ocean, and coastal systems are inextricably interconnected with each other and with society. While all of NOAA’s line offices conduct research, OAR is the only line office dedicated solely to conducting R&D which supports the entire range of NOAA’s science, service, and stewardship mission.

NOAA’s mission extends beyond the political boundaries of the United States to oceans, ecosystems, and the atmosphere throughout the world. It is important for NOAA/OAR to engage internationally and leverage opportunities to expand data collection in support of its science mission, while also seeking to maximize the mutual benefits of international exchange with global experts in ocean, atmosphere, and climate science.


The Oceanic and Atmospheric Research International Activities Office (OAR/IA) incubates and integrates new ideas, partnerships, and technologies that result in improved services for the Nation.


OAR/IA advances NOAA’s ocean, atmosphere, and climate science enterprise by:

  • Leveraging international collaborations and strategic partnerships;
  • Supporting and aligning NOAA research with U.S. foreign policy objectives through active participation in the Science and Technology (S&T) fora;
  • Advancing access to international expertise by serving the needs of OAR laboratories and programs on specific international research issues and operational requests.

These efforts support NOAA’s overall vision of healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient to environmental change. OAR/IA has three operational objectives:

  • Advise NOAA and its research leadership on international science policy, strategies, programs, and issues in support of U.S. foreign policy and corporate science priorities.
  • Lead and promote strategic science and technology partnerships with international organizations that benefit NOAA and OAR’s research programs in weather, climate, atmospheric, and marine science. Serve as executor and administrator for several multilateral and bilateral agreements including Australia, France, Indonesia, India, and Japan.
  • Support and represent OAR interests and programs by serving its laboratories and programs on international programmatic, administrative, and operational needs.

Much of NOAA’s on-going international science and technology enterprise is driven by gaining access to foreign data, technology, expertise, geographic locations, and engaging in cost-sharing opportunities on large-scale projects of mutual interest. These same drivers contribute to NOAA’s new and emerging science priorities that require linkages and relationships with foreign counterparts.

International Affairs Staff

International Activities Photos

OAR PROGRAMS

We conduct research in three major areas: weather and air quality, climate, and ocean and coastal resources.

OAR LABS

The laboratories and their field stations are located across the country and around the world.

LAB REVIEWS

Scientific reviews are conducted every four years to evaluate the quality, relevance, and performance of research conducted at the OAR laboratories.

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The Oceanic and Atmospheric Research International Activities Office (OAR/IA) advances NOAA’s science enterprise and priorities on ocean, atmosphere, and climate.

ABOUT US

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) - or "NOAA Research" - provides the research foundation for understanding the complex systems that support our planet. Working in partnership with other organizational units of the NOAA, a bureau of the Department of Commerce, NOAA Research enables better forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and a greater understanding of the Earth. Our role is to provide unbiased science to better manage the environment, nationally, and globally.

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OAR HEADQUARTERS

Phone: 301-713-2458
Address: 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910

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